We're transforming Operation Game Night to better serve our listeners, with exciting changes to our format and schedule coming after a month-long hiatus featuring collaborations with other podcasts. • Jared reviews Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game, praising its simplified mechanics while maintaining the feel of the original • Clayton explores the h…

We delve into the fascinating world of push your luck games, examining the psychology behind why these gambling mechanics create some of gaming's most memorable moments. • How push your luck games level the playing field between experienced and new players • The distinction between taking a risk and the push your luck mechanic • Exploring the emoti…

This week Clay and Jared lament the fact that OGN wasn't nominated for a golden geek award. However they put their hurt feelings aside to provide some color commentary the winners and runners up from the 2024 Golden Geek awards. Clay also talks about Cities, a new game by PWH and Steven Finn and Jared talks about one of the pods favorite new games …

This week we diving into the mind of a Lost Ruins of Arnak addict and picking Jared's brain about all the hot tips for breaking 100 points in the game. We also do a Kickstarter Preview for Fight for Inheritance, talk about one of our favorite trick takers, and revel over the amazing production and streamlined gameplay of Foundations of Rome. 00:00 …

Step behind the counter of a thriving local game store as we sit down with Cam, the heart and soul behind Petrie's Family Games in Colorado Springs. In this candid conversation, Cam reveals how a childhood obsession with Talisman evolved into a beloved community hub that's been bringing gamers together since 2009. Far from the stereotypical dark, u…

How do you choose the perfect board game for your group size? While many games claim to support various player counts, most have a specific sweet spot where they truly shine. In this intimate, co-host episode, Clay and Travis break down their favorite games for every player count from one to eight players. For solo gaming, Under Falling Skies and W…

The crew takes their podcast on the road to discuss the best games to bring when traveling. Three board game enthusiasts with different travel constraints share their approaches to portable gaming while preparing for upcoming moves. • Jared recounts his triumph in Dune Imperium, using intrigue cards to steal victory from inexperienced opponents • C…

We dive into the BoardGameGeek Hotness list to explore what games are capturing the attention of the board game community, while sharing our gaming experiences and insights. • Jared prepares for the World Series of Board Gaming by planning to relearn Azul • Clay reviews Expeditions, appreciating its unique action selection system and card-tucking m…

Engine building games create deeply satisfying gameplay experiences that mimic real-life decision-making through resource management and strategic planning. We explore what makes these games so compelling and highlight some of our all-time favorites. • Engine builders are games where you exchange resources to become more efficient at gathering reso…

We explore the world of weeknight gaming, discussing how board games can transform mundane weekdays into memorable social experiences while balancing time constraints and life responsibilities. • The group debates what makes a game suitable for weeknight play, considering time, complexity, and energy levels • Clayton and Jared recount their recent …

Tackling listener questions, we dive into board game characters we'd embody, house rules we implement, and how we respond when people dismiss board games as "just for kids." • Clay defends his monthly board game budget overages as necessary therapeutic purchases • When it's appropriate to change game rules (party games) versus when to follow them s…

Taye from Instagram account Taye and Company (Instagram @Tae_Eat_Tea) joins us to share an insider's look at board game content creation, from getting review copies to maintaining publisher relationships while staying authentic. • Tae started his account three years ago solely to get free games and now manages a thriving Instagram presence • Creati…

A fresh perspective on classic card games emerges as we discuss timeless favorites like Rummy and their modern adaptations. We dive into the creative process behind Rumathon Royale, exploring how nostalgia meets innovation. • Reflection on classic card games’ enduring appeal • Introduction and insights from game designer Bryce • Overview of Rumatho…

Clay is in the Hall of Fame! Jared and Travis do our best without him by exploring of how AI can innovate board game design. We dive into the interplay of personal stories and gaming mechanics that make for a captivating episode. • Celebrating Clay’s accomplishments and our pride in him • Sharing highlights from our recent gaming sessions • Discuss…

It's the ultimate showdown in small box games, as we pit favorites against each other to crown a champion! • Clayton shares his thoughts on SETI and how theme impacts gameplay experience • Jared discusses his strategy and experience with Gizmos • The competition begins with matchups revealing personal favorites and mechanics • We explore auction st…

Our conversation with Sam touched on important aspects of the board gaming community, especially in how to engage with it without succumbing to the pressures of FOMO. We discussed how listeners can keep their gaming experiences fresh by revisiting older classics, attending local meetups, and taking advantage of second-hand options. Sam’s journey in…

Join us for a deep dive into the world of game design with Paul Salomon, the creative director at GameHead Games. Paul shares insights on mechanics, themes, and the exciting upcoming titles from GameHead, while also providing tips for aspiring game designers on how to break into the industry. • Discussion on the importance of gameplay mechanics ove…

This episode highlights the growing appeal and enjoyment of solo board gaming, featuring a discussion with guest Bo from PunchableGames (https://www.instagram.com/punchablegames?igsh=MWlkMzJ1N2Nrb2xiYw) who shares insights on solo game mechanics, recommendations, and barriers to solo play. The hosts also reflect on their recent gaming experiences, …

Finspan's launch has ignited discussions around creativity in board games, with players questioning whether it's a genuine evolution of Wingspan or simply a cash grab. The episode delves into these concerns while examining existing trends in re-skins, the financial realities behind board game companies, and the responsibility of designers to give c…

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes when organizing a board game collection? You're in for a treat as we reveal our quirky stories and strategies, from thematic displays to makeshift shelving solutions, all aimed at keeping those treasured game boxes in perfect order. Whether it's daydreaming about custom-made shelves or battling our hoardin…

Clay breaks down the new hotness, River of Gold. Travis lays out the newest in the Tiny Epic series, Tiny Epic Cthulhu. Jared has a tough choice on his hands in the latest Board Game Head-to-Head. Planning a game night with six players can be both exciting and challenging. We explore the dynamics of engaging larger gatherings, highlighting the best…

Kicking off the New Year with a bang, we dive into a world of camaraderie, shared experiences, and our latest hobby escapades. Picture this: we're in Alabama, and the weather has gone rogue! Meanwhile, our theater misadventures in London's West End leave us in stitches over an untimely half-time departure from "Wicked." And just when you think the …

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi! Support the show As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts! https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/ Show your sup…

Get ready to board a thrilling journey with us at the Operation Game Night Podcast as we explore the electrifying world of board games alongside Amanda from EmptyNestBoardMama. Amanda serves as our boots-on-the-ground correspondent, bringing a vibrant PAX Unplugged review to life, while Clayton kicks off the episode with his take on the captivating…

Back on home turf, we welcome Clayton Gable back from his break and dive into our holiday gift guide, brimming with must-have games and accessories to make any gamer's season truly festive. Clayton shares his newfound love for Fromage, a cheese-making board game that has us all craving more rounds of its delightful worker placement mechanics. Our g…

While Clay and Jared grab some well-deserved R&R, Travis recounts some solo games he wants to get played! It's a shorter episode this week, but we hit the highlights with games such as For Northwood!, Coffee Roaster, Regicide Legacy, Dead Cells: The Rogue-Like Board Game, Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth, Tainted Grail: Tides of Ruin, Ba…

Travis, Clayton, and Jared convene for a Thanksgiving special, where share our gratitude for our favorite hobby...board gaming! From Clayton's excitement over acquiring the rare Whale Riders by Reiner Knizia to planning innovative game nights with creative charcuterie boards, we celebrate the joy and camaraderie that board games bring into our live…

Get ready to explore the captivating universe of board games as we share our strategies for mastering "Tapestry" by Stonemaier Games. We highlight the excitement of efficiency puzzles, especially with the game's digital version on Board Game Arena. Our gaming tales span from "Super Mega Lucky Box" to "Dice Miner," perfect for adding a competitive e…

Happy Veteran's Day and Marine Corps Birthday! We venture into the dynamic world of board games, spotlighting "Super Mega Lucky Box," a digital game that adds a strategic twist to the classic bingo, and recounting our hilarious mishaps with "That's Not a Hat," a game that guarantees laughs even when we fumble the rules. We then shift gears to a pai…

Discover 30 intriguing board games under $30 in just 30 seconds each, and uncover the secrets to thrifty gaming greatness! Our latest podcast episode marks a special milestone as we celebrate our 12th installment with a whirlwind budget-friendly game segment that promises to enrich your collection without breaking the bank. Join us for a deep dive …

Join us for a Festivus celebration as we air our gaming grievances. From the overwhelming complexity of "Unconscious Mind" to the simpler joys of "Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle Earth," our chat navigates the evolution of personal gaming tastes and the importance of finding what truly brings joy to the table. With a humorous Seinfeld twist, we …

Have you ever wondered what board games could keep you entertained on a deserted island? Discover our top picks for the rest of our lives as we celebrate nearing 1,000 Instagram followers and give special shoutouts. With Jared away, we still manage to hold down the fort, sharing our latest gaming experiences and exciting plans for a new logo that m…

This week's episode of the Operation Game Night Podcast invites you to explore the fascinating intersections of tactical gameplay and historical strategies. Join us on a sun-soaked journey from Florida, where reconnecting with an old friend led to an epic battle of wits over the strategic board game Santorini. Not only did the game revive fond memo…

As Travis makes his return to the Operation Game Night Podcast alongside co-host Clay Gable, the duo dives into playful conversations about board game hipster tendencies and the potential for a spinoff podcast. Clay takes us through his latest gaming escapades, particularly his thrilling yet humbling experiences with the game Ironwood. His infectio…

Join us on the latest episode of the Operation Game Night Podcast as we compare "Dwellings of Eldervale" with its refined successor, "Andromeda’s Edge." You’ll hear all about the upgraded mechanics, enhanced worker placements, and the dazzling production quality that elevate the experience. Plus, hear about Jareds recent eBay score with "Quacks of …

Ever wondered how you could turn a simple night with friends into an unforgettable game night extravaganza? Join us for a lively episode of Operation Game Night Podcast, where we kick off with an energetic celebration of Clay's birthday and his unmatched game night expertise. We sprinkle in humor by debating the size of chains, and introduce you to…

Need some board game suggestions to onboard your friends and family to the gaming hobby? Want to show them just how deep the rabbit hole can go? Join Jared, Clayton, and Travis in our latest episode as they share their top 3 gateway games. This episode is so hot we may have to pop our top off for this one! Ever scored a board game gem for just $10?…

What happens when you combine a confidence-boosting chain, a backwards cap, and a pair of lederhosen? You get our latest episode of Operation Game Night! Jared Erickson returns from Utah retreat with tales of "Spots," a dice-rolling game that captivated everyone from groomsmen to kids. Meanwhile, Clay introduces Knarr an engine-building game he stu…

Got the urge to collect board games at every turn? Feel a completionist mentality when faced with an onslaught of expansions for your favorite games? Ever feel the unique pressure of managing a physical board game collection? Get ready to uncover the joys and challenges on this episode of Operation Game Night. We kick things off by exploring the ta…

What happens when you combine zany humor, international shoutouts, and a deep dive into the world of board games? You get another thrilling episode of the Operation Game Night Podcast! This week, we give a special nod to our listeners from Washington D.C. and Lucknow, India...should we consider a podcast pivot to Indian culture?! Join us as we disc…

What happens when three board game enthusiasts decide to launch their very own podcast? Join us as we navigate the exhilarating chaos of starting the Operation Game Night podcast! From setting up recording equipment to brainstorming names like "Cardboard 720," this episode is filled with the excitement, technical hiccups, and hilarious parenting an…